County parks plan Bicycle Month activities

Cycling will be in the spotlight again as Broward parks host Bicycle Month events in March.

The county's events coincide with the state Bicycle Month, said James Richards, a spokesman for Broward County Parks and Recreation. Many of the events focus on children and safety, he said.

"We're working with municipalities to promote safety and create awareness for people driving on the road," Richards said.

Although the month's events officially begin March 1, Richards said the county was highlighting related events, like the annual Tour de Broward taking place today at Miramar Regional Park and a bike rodeo on April 7 at Weston Regional Park. In Cooper City, regular cycling events at Brian Piccolo Park are being incorporated into Bicycle Month. Many of the Piccolo events revolve around the velodrome racing course — the only one in Florida.

Promoting velodrome events is the mission of the nonprofit Florida Velodrome Association and its founder, Jose Basulto. Basulto credits in part volunteers' use of social media for the increased turnout in the last year.

"We're now seeing a resurgence of participation," he said.

March events at Piccolo Park include free new velodrome rider clinics from 6 to 9:30 p.m. Mondays, and experienced cyclists can participate in velodrome races from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Tuesdays. Basulto said safety is stressed at all events with a pre-race meeting outlining the need for everyone to give fellow riders space.

"It's racing, and in making contact, occasionally people will fall," Basulto said. "It's no fun to have to deal with an injury."

Learning how to fall (on a mat) is part of the program at the FVA's youth development clinic for middle schoolers. Basulto said that by learning what it feels like to fall in a practice environment, young riders can know how to react in a real situation.

In addition, Piccolo's skate park hosts BMX bike activities four days a week.

Piccolo Park is at 9501 Sheridan St. A $1.50 entry fee is in effect on weekends. For more information, call 954-357-5150 or visit http://www.broward.org/parks, click on Things to Do and then Bicycle Month 2013.